The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Chicago Bulls, 126-125, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday.

While these were two bottom-dwellers last season, they left it all on the floor in this competitive opener. In fact, there were nine ties and 11 lead changes in this fixture. Despite the fact that Chicago led 118-108 with six minutes remaining, Charlotte ended the game on an 18-7 run to cap off their comeback victory. The key for the Hornets was their three-point shooting, connecting on 23-of-44 while the Bulls hit 9-of-30. Charlotte won despite being outrebounded 49-41 and losing the turnover differential, 19-10.

The Bulls (0-1) were led by Lauri Markkanen, as he tallied 35 points, 17 rebounds and two assists. Zach LaVine accrued 16 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Wendell Carter amassed 12 points and nine boards. Thaddeus Young led the bench with 17 points, three rebounds and two assists while Coby White totaled 17 points, three rebounds and seven assists.

The Hornets (1-0) got a career performance from P.J. Washington, leading the way with 27 points and four boards on 7-of-11 from long range. Dwayne Bacon generated 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Cody Zeller totaled 15 points and 12 boards. DeVonte' Graham was huge off the bench, collecting 23 points, four rebounds and eight assists.

Both teams return to action on Friday, with Chicago traveling to face the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte playing host to the Minnesota Timberwolves.